Smile MonthBetween 11 May and 11 June 2026, the Oral Health Foundation will raise awareness of important oral health issues. Join the nation's biggest oral health campaign and help bring a smile to millions of people. This year is our biggest year yet as we get ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Smile Month, and we need your smiling faces to make it happen. Join our Smile Wall using the buttons below. See our online wall Add your smile There are lots of different activities you can take part in for Smile Month. Have a look at the full list here. Take part The Smile Wall About the campaign What is Smile Month? History of the campaign Why it matters today Who takes part 50 years of smiles The story of 50 years How smiles have changed Half a century of healthy smiles Our vision for the next 50 Why smiles matter Better oral health Confidence & wellbeing Social and life impact Everyday quality of life Who's behind it Oral Health Foundation Our sponsors Take part Activities For dental teams For schools & youth groups In workplaces For families and communities View all Downloads Logo & email signature Social media Digital guides Learning resources Facts and talking points For dental professionals (DCPs) Shop Fundraising Donate Set up your fundraising page Fundraising ideas Taking action Wall of Smiles Sign the Prevention Pledge Your oral health Daily habits Brushing basics Cleaning between teeth Why mouthwash matters Diet Diet and oral health Best tooth-friendly foods Foods and drinks to avoid The impact of sugar The role of hydration Children's teeth First teeth School years Teen habits Making brushing fun All ages Young adults Adults Older adults Changes to watch for Common mistakes Brushing too hard Rinsing with water Grazing all day Ignoring bleeding gums Oral Health Foundation Home Acidic foods and drinks: what you need to know Acidic foods and drinks may be refreshing or tangy, but they can also cause significant damage to your teeth. When consumed regularly, these acids can lead to enamel erosion, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and decay. Understanding how acids affect your smile - and learning how to protect your teeth - is essential for maintaining long-term oral health. How acids affect your teeth Every time you consume acidic foods or drinks, they temporarily soften the enamel on your teeth. This makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate and cause decay, while also increasing the risk of sensitivity and staining. Over time, frequent acid exposure can lead to permanent damage, as enamel doesn’t regenerate once it’s lost. What happens during acid erosion? Enamel softening The acids in food and drink dissolve minerals in your enamel, weakening its structure. Increased sensitivity As enamel thins, the sensitive inner layers of your teeth become exposed, leading to pain or discomfort. Weakened teeth Over time, enamel erosion can make your teeth more susceptible to decay, cavities, and staining. Common acidic foods & drinks Citrus fruits Why? Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are naturally high in citric acid, which can break down enamel if consumed too often. Tip: eating them in moderation and drinking water afterwards can help protect your teeth. Carbonated drinks Why? Soft drinks, including diet sodas, contain carbonic acid, which erodes enamel over time. Tip: drink with a straw to minimise contact with your teeth. Fruit juices Why? Even 100% fruit juices are acidic and can contribute to enamel wear, especially when consumed throughout the day. Tip: dilute juices with water or drink them in one sitting instead of sipping slowly. Wine Why? Both red and white wines are highly acidic and can contribute to enamel erosion and staining. Tip: drink water alongside wine to rinse away acids. Tomatoes Why? Tomatoes and tomato-based products (like sauces) are naturally acidic and can affect enamel when consumed frequently. Tip: rinse your mouth with water after eating tomato-based meals. Vinegar-based foods Why? Foods like pickles, salad dressings, and sauces that contain vinegar can be highly acidic. Tip: eat these in moderation and rinse your mouth afterwards. How to protect your smile from acid erosion Drink water after acidic foods & drinks – this helps neutralise the acids and rinse them away. Wait before brushing – after consuming acidic foods, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Brushing immediately can spread the acid across your enamel. Use a straw for acidic drinks – this reduces direct contact with your teeth and helps protect enamel. Chew sugar-free gum – this increases saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and protect your enamel. Use fluoride toothpaste – fluoride helps remineralise enamel and protect against acid erosion. Eat acidic foods with other foods – pairing acidic foods with less acidic options (like cheese or nuts) can help buffer the effects on your teeth. The bottom line Acidic foods and drinks are a common cause of enamel erosion, but with the right strategies, you can protect your teeth. Moderation, proper oral care, and smart eating habits can help prevent the long-term damage caused by acids, keeping your smile healthy and strong. Want more tips on protecting your smile? Check out our best foods for teeth guide! Manage Cookie Preferences